Proceedings of The 7th International Conference on Research in Humanities and Social Sciences
Year: 2023
DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.33422/7th.icrhs.2023.05.100
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A Historical Approach on Russian Foreign Policy in the Balkans (1945 -2022)
Etleva Smaçi
ABSTRACT:
The purpose of this paper is to analyze, from a historical standpoint, the development of Russian policy in the Balkans from the end of the Second World War to present day. The paper focuses on three major historical periods: the Cold War (1945-1990), the dissolution of the USSR and territorial changes in the Balkans (1990-2000), and lastly the period of 2000-2022, which in political history studies is considered as a comeback of Russia as a prominent player in the region. The methodology employed is based on a comparative analysis of the three periods, with the primary aim being to comprehend the significant difference in Russia’s policy on the region of the Balkans over the past 78 years. The paper examines external factors that have influenced Russia’s policy shifts in the Balkans, as well as internal factors, particularly Putin’s role in remaking Kremlin’s foreign policy as a great power, based on contemporary literature. The paper adopts a multidisciplinary approach by alternating both economic and military diplomacy, focusing on critical moments during the three aforementioned periods. In conclusion, this analysis aims to tackle concerns regarding the impact of Russian politics on the future of the Balkans by analyzing the interaction between Balkan states and Russia during the three above eras.
keywords: Putin, region, diplomacy, great power, history studies